Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) presented a series of diabetes related data at the 74th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. Candidates like empagliflozin, dulaglutide and LY2963016 were in focus at the presentation.
Results from two phase III studies on empagliflozin in combination with Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim's Tradjenta (linagliptin) were presented. The studies compared the combination with empagliflozin or Tradjenta alone in patients suffering from type II diabetes whose moderately elevated blood glucose levels are consistent with what is commonly seen in clinical practice.
Data from the studies revealed that the combination of empagliflozin and Tradjenta significantly reduced blood glucose compared to empagliflozin or Tradjenta alone at the end of 24 weeks. Moreover, the combination of empagliflozin (10mg) and Tradjenta (5 mg) showed significant reductions in baseline blood glucose levels in treatment-naïve adults compared to empagliflozin (10 mg) or Tradjenta (5 mg) alone. Meanwhile, the combination of empagliflozin (25 mg) and Tradjenta (5 mg) failed to show a significant reduction in baseline blood glucose compared to empagliflozin (25 mg) alone.
Lilly also presented data from the sixth phase III AWARD (Assessment of Weekly AdministRation of LY2189265 in Diabetes) study on dulaglutide. The study data revealed similar reductions in average blood sugar levels in both the study arms of once-weekly dulaglutide and once-daily Novo Nordisk's (NYSE: NVO) Victoza (liraglutide) in patients suffering from type II diabetes, who are on metformin. Eli Lilly has already submitted marketing applications for dulaglutide to the FDA and the European Medicines Agency.
Lilly along with partner Boehringer also presented encouraging data from phase I and phase III studies on LY2963016 in diabetes patients. Results from the phase III study showed that a similar immunogenicity profile was observed in LY2963016 (a new insulin glargine product) compared to the marketed insulin glargine, Sanofi's (NYSE: SNY) Lantus. Moreover, the phase I study results revealed a similar pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in both LY2963016 insulin glargine and the marketed insulin glargine.
Lilly also announced new data from its basal insulin peglispro (ETF:BIL). Results revealed that BIL showed less activity in peripheral tissues compared to insulin glargine, when BIL and insulin glargine were each administered to achieve complete suppression of glucose production.
Lilly's diabetes portfolio looks impressive. We are encouraged by the recent positive data readouts. Companies like Novo Nordisk and Sanofi also have a strong presence in the diabetes market.
Eli Lilly is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. Some better-ranked stocks in the same sector include Allergan (NYSE: AGN) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks.
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